The day began with two of the Clipper fleet, Hull & Humber and Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper, making a 20 mile journey up the coast to Hillarys Yacht Club for a family day, which proved a popular event of the Christmas break. Amongst the VIP’s attending the open day was Dr. Fiona Wood, a top plastic surgeon and director of the burns unit of Royal Perth Hospital. Fiona emigrated to Australia twenty years ago, but originated from Ackworth, Yorkshire. In 2005, she was named Australian of the Year for her pioneering work in dealing with the appalling injuries suffered in the Bali bombings. In honour of her achievements Dr. Wood was given the chance to sail onboard Hull & Humber for the return leg back to Fremantle.Commenting on the race, Dr. Wood said; “This is a fantastic experience and it’s great to see the crews living their dream.” Thrilled to be given the chance to sail onboard Hull & Humber Dr. Wood added: “To be on a Yorkshire boat with the white rose flying in the breeze off the Western Australia coastline is like being on a little bit of home,”At Fremantle Sailing Club the last of the Clipper yachts, Liverpool 08, went back in the following routine maintenance to the hulls. FSC was also buzzing crew today as the 27 December marked crew changeover day. New crew joining for the next leg reported to their boats and could be seen stowing their gear ready for the race ahead. Some were lucky enough to get straight out on the water onboard westernaustralia2011.com and Jamaica as part of a media sail event. Others will be heading out on 29 December for a training sail to give them a chance to get reacquainted with the boats ready for the race start on 1 January. 29 December will also mark the last of the Australian Crew Recruitment events run by Clipper Crew Recruitment Manager David Cusworth. It will coincide with an open day at Fremantle Sailing Club, which gives the public the opportunity to come down and visit the fleet. This will be followed by a presentation in the evening at 1900 for those wanting to find out more about participating in the next race, Clipper 09-10. To attend the presentation or to find out more about becoming a crew member on the race email oceanracer@clipperroundtheworld.com or call David on +61 (0) 413 185932.

       1. Pat Morgan, Bristol 27 December 2007

       Wishing all the crews a fantastic start to the New Year...Good Luck and Good sailing God Speed and keep you safe and thank you all for keeping us on the edge of our seats back home.. Glad you are back on board Fred.. 2. Dipxy, Dumfriesshire 27 December 2007

       Hope the family day was a success, and the familiarisation day for Glasgow: Scotland with Style goes well. Now, Hannah, what about the crew blog? You’re supporters back home haven’t heard anything since 11 December. Come on give us some info. Good luck with your new crew, you’re all stars.

       xx 3. heather bladon, shropshire 29 December 2007

       good luck glasglow for the next leg. have a happy new year, good sailing. love heather. 4. Barbara Flynn, Wallasey, Cheshire 30 December 2007

       Good Luck to Janet Flynn joining the crew of Durban 2010 and Beyond, Happy and Safe Sailing love Mum and Dadxx 5. Barbara & Robert Watson, Beckenham, Kent 30 December 2007

       What a lovely surprise to see the picture of Danny with Dr. Fiona Wood and her family. It was very interesting to read all about her and her achievements. What a wonderful lady! Very best wishes to all for a happy, healthy and successful 2008!